Saleh Mamman, ex-Power Minister moves to Kuje Prison as EFCC seeks fresh asset forfeiture

A Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to transfer Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power, to the Kuje Correctional Centre to commence his 75-year prison sentence, following his conviction and sentencing for money laundering and related offences.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Tuesday, after Mamman was brought before the court by the EFCC amid ongoing post-conviction proceedings, including a fresh application seeking the forfeiture of additional properties allegedly linked to him.

The proceedings also saw the filing of a consequential forfeiture order by the EFCC targeting five newly identified properties said to be connected to the convict.

The case was prosecuted by Rotimi Oyedepo, Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, who informed the court that the application dated May 25, 2026, sought the permanent forfeiture of the assets.

EFCC told the court that the properties were traced to proceeds of unlawful financial activities tied to the former minister’s conviction.

The assets include Walijam Apartments at Plot 435, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in New Estate, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; two mansions on Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja (Nos. 11 and 13); and A.U.A. Plaza located at Plot 734, Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, however, defence representation was notably absent in court.

Although Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, had been briefed on the application, he did not appear.

The lawyer sent in his stead reportedly declined to accept the forfeiture processes and exited the courtroom without engaging the court or prosecution.

When questioned by the judge, Mamman said he had not been in contact with his lawyer since his arrest by EFCC operatives on May 19, 2026, in Kaduna State.

Omotosho also addressed Mamman directly on the status of his sentence, clarifying that his custodial term commenced immediately following judgment.

The judge noted that the convict had been in Abuja when the judgment and sentencing were delivered but later left for Kaduna in a taxi.

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“My work is done. The sentence starts today,” the judge stated, adding that he would re-explain the judgment to ensure the convict understood the basis of his conviction and sentencing.

Mamman, however, told the court that his absence from earlier proceedings was due to ill health.

The court also briefly recounted its May 7, 2026 judgment, in which Mamman was convicted on a 16-count amended charge bordering on money laundering and unlawful acquisition of assets valued at over N33.8 billion.

He was subsequently sentenced on May 13, 2026, to a cumulative 75-year prison term for the offences, which the court said involved acquiring multimillion-naira properties outside the financial system.

Following his repeated absence during proceedings, Omotosho had earlier issued a bench warrant for his arrest, leading to his eventual apprehension by EFCC operatives in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State.

The arrest, carried out on May 19, 2026, followed weeks of surveillance after intelligence indicated he had gone into hiding with a relative, identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed, who was also found with him at the time.

Despite the developments, the court held that the forfeiture application required full hearing in line with fair trial principles.

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Omotosho therefore adjourned proceedings to June 8, 2026, and directed that Mamman be personally served to enable him engage legal representation of his choice.

The judge emphasised that the additional forfeiture proceedings would proceed only after ensuring the convict’s right to fair hearing is fully protected.